An adult book for kids or a kids’ book for adults? It really is hard to draw the line between the two in Tom Robbins’s book “B is for Beer.” The book takes the best and the worst of the world’s favorite adult beverage, and filters its effects through the eyes of a bubbly kindergartner. The result is quite charming. While it becomes apparent that the author has an affinity for beer, he offers a very well rounded view on the subject, and even wraps it up in a nice little existential package about exploring the mysteries of life. With a subtle group of characters and some very educational content, “B is for Beer” is a great book for people looking for a lighthearted and interesting read.
The protagonist is Gracie, an effervescent kindergartner brimming with curiosity. She’s surrounded by her distant father, anti-conformist uncle, and typical suburban mother. Gracie views their strange adult rituals with an amused curiosity. Her interest in beer is sparked when her uncle gives her a surprisingly in-depth story on the origins and creation of the frothy substance.
Her curiosity compels the plot along, leading her to a climactic beer chugging after a bad birthday party, after which she storms to her room, pukes on the floor, and is visited by the Beer Fairy (that’s right). The Beer Fairy takes her on a fantastical “Beautiful Life-ish” adventure through a brewery as well as a few Oktoberfest-like festivals.
On their adventure, she’s offered multiple viewpoints on the effects of alcohol and beer. The ugly part is given just as much, if not more, time in the light as the good, and I still put the book down with a creeping urge to pick up a brewsky.
After all the facts are compared and contrasted, the author wraps it up in a neat little package: labeling beer not as the key to a world full of adventure and wonderful depravity, but more as a vehicle to get to the edge of that world, presenting us with the opportunity to peek inside.
He sprinkles in a lot of adult humor, subtle enough to go over the head of a young child, but with enough punch to give any grown up a chuckle.
All in all, “B is for Beer” is an enjoyable book for anyone who has ever been around any form of alcohol consumption, or would like to learn about it. It will make you laugh, it will make you cringe, and it will warm your heart all at the same time.